Pay-as-you-drive car club could be set up in Borders

Electric cars can be included in the fleet of cars available in car clubs

Published:09:00Friday 29 April 2016

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A survey is underway in the Borders to see if there is sufficient interest to start up a car-sharing club in the region.

A car club is a member-based organisation that providing access to pay-as-you-drive vehicles.

These are available for hire for as little as 30 minutes up to several days at a time, 24 hours a day, seven days a week accessed with a smart card or phone app.

Vehicles are usually parked in dedicated spaces close to the homes and workplaces of car club members.

The Developing Car Clubs in Scotland (DCCS) programme was launched in October 2010, funded by Transport Scotland as part of the Scottish Government’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions from transport and improving air quality in towns and cities.

An example of a successful rural car club was started by Fintry Development Trust in Stirlingshire to tackle the problems of lack of public transport in a village with a population of 700.

Fintry Energy Efficient Transport active car club has three cars – a seven-seater Mazda, a Ford Fusion and an electric Nissan Leaf.

Carplus is carrying out the Borders survey, and a spokesperson said: “As the national charity supporting car clubs and car-sharing in Scotland, Carplus is delighted to have the support of the Scottish Borders Council to look into the possibility of setting up a car club in the area.

“Car clubs offer access to a range of vehicles in different locations, and members can save money on travel if they only need a car from time to time.

“Cars can be booked online or over the phone for a little as 30 minutes at a time, and are accessed with a smart card or phone app.

A Scottish Borders Council spokesperson said: “The council is taking part in the feasibility study into a car club being introduced into the Borders being led by Carplus.

“The study’s findings will be included in an initial report expected to be presented to the council in June, with a final report to be considered later in the year.”

To take part in the online survey, open until Friday, May 13, go to www.research.net/r/2NRMP9J or email scotland@carplus.org.uk